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UI design pattern for true/false/null (for inheritance of values)?

Answer 1

+1 A:

I much prefer the second, which makes it clear that there are three values, and one of them is an inherited value. Two checkboxes logically provide four values.

The only thing I might add is something to indicate where the default is coming from. Since this might clutter up the page, it could be a tooltip on the default option.

JSBangs 2010-02-12 22:36:30

I would only add that default might say inherit instead.

Byron Whitlock 2010-02-12 22:38:10

Thanks! I'm surprised that everyone says 'inherit' is better, cuz to me it's such computery terminology, and the people who are using my web app aren't very computery.I get what you're saying about two checkboxes providing four values. As I mentioned, my code disabled the first when the second was checked, but it seemed ugly to me.

Paul d'Aoust 2010-02-12 23:00:39

Answer 2

+2 A:

To me, the second is more intuitive. And fwiw -- when we've set up similar controls at my firm we've used the label inherit (instead of default) for the pass-through setting.

Drew Wills 2010-02-12 22:37:09

I'm out of votes for today or I'd vote this up for *inherit* -- much clearer terminology.

mwigdahl 2010-02-12 22:38:42

Thanks! So you think 'inherit' is best too, eh? Well, inherit it is!

Paul d'Aoust 2010-02-12 23:01:14

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UI design pattern for true/false/null (for inheritance of values)?

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